What is required to get started in real estate?

[James B.]

I will be graduating college shortly and I will work a few years to build savings, credit, etc to make the venture into RE investing.

What should I aim for?  

How much capital is required?

What types of loans should I look at first?

What credit score is required?

I'd love to house hack, until then, I'll probably rent, unless of course it's feasible to buy a house after just 6 months or so of work.  

Any advice is appreciated.  I am looking to go the buy and hold route and reinvest the cash flows.  Later on, take on a rehab, and so forth.  For now, I want to focus the next few years on nailing the basics!